Entering your retirement years allows you to finally kick back and relax. Suddenly, there’s an ample amount of spare time, and there are a million ways to utilize it. However, as the years go by, you will begin to fall short of things to do. If that’s the case, why not meet up with family and go on a trip together? Not only will this bring back memories, but it will also allow you to catch up with everyone and their lives.
Since we are on the topic of traveling, we should decide on a destination. There are many great places you can go to, all of which have activities that are senior citizen-friendly. Amongst these places, Nashville is one of the best travel destinations for the elderly.
So why is it such a great place for seniors, or anyone in general?
Why Visit Nashville?
Nashville is a lively place to visit, one that’s filled with a little bit of everything. Firstly, you’ll be in for some music that’s both modern and vintage. There are lots of musical attractions to go to, so if you want to relive some of the most colorful moments in your life then you won’t be disappointed.
Next, you can take a dive into history and the cultural aspects of Nashville through various art galleries, museums, and sporting events scattered all around. Lastly, everyone’s favorite activity—shopping! You’re never too old to go on a shopping spree. Since you’re on holiday, be sure to make the most of it and treat yourself to some awesome souvenirs.
Things to Do in Nashville
Now that we’ve looked at a summary of why Nashville is a great place to visit, let’s look at some things that you should not miss while you’re there. These attractions are suitable for all ages, including senior citizens.
Cultural Activities
Getting to know and learn its culture is one of the most engaging and exciting things for senior citizens to do in Nashville. As I mentioned earlier, the culture of Nashville revolves around art, music, and theater.
If you love country music, then there are two notable places that you should consider going to. First, we have the Grand Ole Opry, a weekly country music concert that was first introduced in the 1920s. It is one of the oldest running concerts in American history and is still a popular place to visit even after an entire century.
Next, we have The Country Music Hall of Fame, established in 1965. This isn’t just a museum; alongside preserving musical history, it is also a research center for vernacular music. It is also home to some of the most diverse musical works in the world. Even if you’re not the biggest fan of country music, the vintage costumes, cars, and memorabilia are definitely worth a visit.
Food and Drinks
After spending an entire day (or evening) enjoying music and losing yourself in museum exhibits, you’ll probably want to take a rest and have a nice and filling meal. Nashville isn’t all about music; there are a lot of delicacies you can sink your teeth into and a lot of bars you can enjoy (all senior-friendly).
If you’re looking for a calmer place to go to, then Germantown is the place for you. This area is rather antique and historic and has some of the most well-recognized restaurants in all of Nashville. You can find almost any kind of cuisine here, from Asian to the Mediterranean, you definitely won’t run out of choices. However, since there are so many to choose from, do your research beforehand to find something that’s reasonably priced and serves great food at the same time.
You can also try heading over to East Nashville, which is equally as diverse as Germantown. If you love pizza and beer, then be sure to visit East Nashville Beer Works! They even allow pets, which is a bonus.
Outdoor Activities
Lastly, let’s look at some outdoor things to do in Nashville for senior citizens. If you are planning to stay in Nashville for a while, you might want to take a walking tour around the city to get a better grasp of it. Walking tours will allow you to witness the culture of the city up close. What’s more, there are a lot of walking tours you can take, which means you can find the perfect one for your interests.
For example, you can arrange for a tour where you can take a stroll around some of the most famous breweries in Nashville. Of course, you can also take a walking tour to explore the musical history as well—whichever you prefer!
If you’re willing to take it up a notch, then why not book yourself a ticket for a river cruise? One of the most famous river cruises is offered by the General Jackson Showboat. The entertainment, food, and of course, the view of the city from the boat are all spectacular. It’s less strenuous when compared to walking tours. So if you don’t feel like walking or if mobility is a concern, river cruising is the way to go!
Find Local Senior Centers
Nashville is a place that frequently hosts a lot of senior guests from all around the US. There are dedicated local senior centers that you can visit to look for events or activities that you can partake in. They can also help you make an itinerary of your liking.
Senior centers host lots of meet-ups, which will allow you to socialize and make some new friends—and you’re never too old to make new friends. Together, you can visit parks and recreational centers for seniors that offer fitness programs and other engaging activities that’ll help brighten up your vacation.
In Conclusion
There are many wonderful things to do in Nashville for senior citizens. Whether you visit with the family to take a long and well-deserved breather or to settle down, you will never find yourself bored. The culture and the society, in general, will keep you fulfilled and happy. Good luck and safe travels!